PERFECTING YOUR HANDSHAKE TO CREATE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

Its fundamentally important for an actor to present him/herself in a confident and professional manner. Specially because sometimes first-impressions are all we get with casting directors. So beside appearances, our body posture and our handshake need to match the “persona” we want to present.

The perfect handshake is one that is not too aggressive but firm and made with a clear intent, with our hands clean and dry, and accompanied by a polite “hello” and a smile.

One of the worst types of handshakes has to be the wet-sweaty-palm handshake. Arghh! I once met a charming young lady, but when she shook my hand I couldn’t believe it. All her composure, poise and confidence went out the window when I was left trying not to be rude and wipe my hand dry after she held it. Men too, actually, men tend to perspire more and emanate more heat from the palms of their hands, so be sure to wipe them down before shaking anyone’s hands.

Next thing would have to be a weak hand shake. The type of handshakes where you feel like you are saying hello to a zombie with a cold and limp hand. You know the kind? Make sure your hand has a purpose when you shake it: to hold firmly the other persons hand, motion up and down at unison, with your fingers wrapped around the other persons palm.  Don’t be overly eager but make sure the other person knows you are in the moment too.

A really good tip someone gave me once on handshakes: if you have both hands available, use both hands to give a handshake. It is more embracing, feels more welcoming and personal and at the same time, if accompanied by a smile much more sincere. Try and shake hands with both of your hands and see if the response you get from others changes.

P.S. No special step-by-step handshakes/fist twists..please.

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